4/27/22: In 2021, Karlaftis recorded 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles. Hutchinson has issues holding up at point of attack. The 2022 NFL Combine's 40-yard dash is a chance for some defensive linemen to really improve their stock. 4/27/22: Clemons recorded 32 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble in 2021. Conversely, only one quarterback (Kenny Pickett) was selected in the first round at 20th overall, the lowest for a draft's first quarterback since 1997, and no running backs were taken in the first round for the first time since 2014. Clemons has quality size with some quickness and athleticism on the edge. With Josh Sweat signing his 3-year, $40 million extension and soon-to-be 34-year old Brandon Graham coming off a ruptured Achilles, it makes sense to target another edge rusher within the first two days of the draft. On top of his size and power, Karlaftis has an underrated finesse element. Here is what one area scout said about Anderson around the same time, "I think he goes in the first, but I wouldn't take him in the first because of his run defense and he's just a designated pass rusher. 4/27/22: Tisdale recorded eight tackles and zero sacks in 2021 from playing over four games before going out for the season in early October. 7/10/21: Hall was listed as a defensive tackle on NFL teams' preseason watch list, but at his current size, he would have to move to defensive end in the NFL. The first five selections were defensive players, the second-most taken at the start of a draft after the six in 1991. Mar 04, 2023. Sources are wondering why Anderson was at home and not at the team hotel. In addition, it further increases his value as one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 2022 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 28. . Impressed? Anderson should be a top-10 or top-15 pick if he keeps playing like he did against Clemson. Paschal lost his 2018 season to fighting malignant melanoma, but after beating cancer, he returned to the field in 2019 to put together a quality year for Kentucky. 164: New England Las Vegas LA Rams, No. Apr 15, 2022, 4:52pm ET in NFL News Top 10 Best defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft Teams in need of a dynamic edge rusher are going to have plenty of opportunities to fill that role as the 2022 NFL Draft is loaded with top defensive ends. 1. 7/10/21: Charlton was a solid defender for Central Florida in 2020. 7/10/21: Thomas contributed somewhat in the pass rush in 2020, but he did not produce well in run defense. He totaled 41 tackles, 2.5 sacks and six passes broken up in 2021. Additionally, Paschal received outstanding marks from teams for his football, locker room leadership, and off-the-field intangibles. 1. The Ohio State Buckeyes have a rich recent history of sending defensive line talent to the NFL. Now that he has a year of experience, Thomas could be even better in 2021 and rise for the 2022 NFL Draft. Anderson is tremendous pass rusher who produces quarterback pressure at an insane rate. Nashville Tennessean. The former five-star recruit who was ranked as the best player in the state of Ohio in the 2019 recruiting class has yet to produce to the level of expectation statistically. 2022 NFL Draft: The top 11 interior defensive linemen Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC West. Williams did a nice job of blitzing the quarterback off the edge in 2019, and he showed some nice ability to put pressure on the signal-caller. 105) and tight end Greg Dulcich (2022 . Super informed fan? After sending Tarron Jackson to the NFL just months ago, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have the potential to send another pass rusher to the pros. Whichever kind of defensive end you project a prospect to be, power and play strength are fairly important elements of success at the next level. Walker has the size to set the edge and is quick off the ball. 2022 September 2 2023 NFL Draft 3-4 Defensive End Rankings 2023 NFL Draft 3-4 Defensive End Rankings John Vogel September 2, 2022 in 2023 Rankings, Player Rankings - 6 Minutes 1. Ojabo has the speed and strength to be a tough battle for pro offensive tackles. In addition to being a phenomenal pass rusher, Thibodeaux is impressive against the run. We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. After his impressive practices in Mobile, more team evaluators think Johnson will go late in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. 1 overall pick, and at least four others should come off the board in the first 50 picks. ** - denotes 2024 prospect. The LSU pass rusher can already be found in several first-round mock drafts, including from Pro Football Networks Cam Mellor. He needed to show more pass-rushing talent. 2022 NFL Draft: Top Defensive Tackles Georgia's Jordan Davis (99) is Eddie Brown's top-rated defensive tackle in the upcoming NFL Draft. He isn't George Karlaftis is a freakish athlete with an elite massive frame and is a natural dominating pass rusher. Pre-Draft), while (D) denotes trades that took place during the 2022 draft. The top-ranked Commander is defensive end Montez Sweat, who ranks No. One of the best fits in this year's draft class for the Patriots on the interior of the defensive line, Mathis is compared to Lawrence Guy by Pro Football Focus. Some teams are eyeing him late in the second round and early in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Although there are some areas for improvement, the Ohio State pass rushers length, speed, and strength combined with his ability to disrupt both around the outside track and from the interior make him one of the best defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. He had 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2020. BIO 1 If Harrison showcases those more consistently while adding a more explosive presence, he will cement his place as one of the best pass rushers in the class. Last season, an injury deprived Aidan Hutchinson of the experience he needed to help elevate his draft stock. His natural instincts to go for the strip sack are phenomenal. San Francisco could also use some help at defensive back after the group has been thinned out over the years. Chambers recorded five sacks in 2019 and 4.5 sacks in 2018 playing at University of Houston. He could be even better now that he has a year of experience, and NFL advance scouts were impressed with his 2020 tape. His ability to pass rush both inside and outside offers intriguing versatility. Here's how a team's director of player personnel summarized Hutchinson, "I think he's a good athlete with speed and a pretty good get-off. Pro Football Network, LLC. Team sources say Johnson beat up on some bad tackles and really struggled against Alabama left tackle Evan Neal. Although Zach Harrison may not be cut from the same cloth as Chase Young and the Bosa brothers, he can still be one of the top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. 7/10/21: Tisdale is a big defensive end who is a tough run defender at the point of attack. That's why Georgia says they don't start him. He has an elite combination of size, strength, a Drake is a quality prospect who possesses impressive athletic ability: he has a unique combination of speed, agility, power as wel David Ojabo may have the greatest upside of any player in the 2022 NFL Draft class with a unique combination of size, strength, an Arnold Ebiketie is an impressive pro prospect who has top-level athletic skills - he's explosive, has elite speed around the edge, Johnson has been rocketing up draft boards after his dominating 2021 season with FSU. Ali Gaye sneaks into our top 10 defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class. Subsequently, NFL teams that like having bigger edge rushers would jump at the chance to add Karlaftis. Aidan Hutchinson goes first overall in 2022 NFL Mock Draft When he pieces everything together, Smith breezes past offensive tackles with relative ease. The Ohio State defensive end has an incredible athletic profile. Quietly productive as a freshman, Gunter has been defensively dominant in the rest of his college football seasons. He is a freak athlete though and a special pass rusher. If Mafe were taller and had more length, he would have a better shot at being first-round pick. 4/27/22: In 2021, Barno had 35 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. 7/10/21: Anthony was a backup in 2018 and 2019 before earning playing time as a junior in 2020. However, it presents a list of prospects to watch out for in the 2021 college football season. If he is innocent, this could be a situation like La'el Collins', where a first-round talent becomes a late-round steal. He made big plays in run defense and the pass rush. He has everything you look for Aspiring college or profootball journalist? Hutchinson has been the most dominating pass-rusher in college football during the 2021 season and easily outperformed the presumptive top p Thibodeaux has out-of-this-world athletic ability and as a result, is in the running for being the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 1 and No. video. Early on, WalterFootball.com caught up with a director of college scouting from a playoff team that is one of the best drafting teams in the NFL, and here is what they had to say about Anderson prior to the off-the-field trouble: "Talk about holding a guy back; Georgia is definitely doing that. He has great strength, violent hands, and a relentless motor. Florida Football: DT Zachary Carter NFL draft 2022 profile GatorSports.com Schedule Teams SEC Alabama Arkansas Auburn Georgia LSU Tennessee Texas A&M ACC Clemson UNC Big Ten Iowa Michigan. Let's take a look at some of their best options in the 2023 NFL draft. Listed at 65 and 268 pounds, Thomas has the frame to add more weight and strength this season. He did not impress at the Senior Bowl, but he had an excellent combine with an ultra-fast 40-yard dash. This was after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 2020 NFL Draft, originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, to take place remotely via video conferencing. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press) Looking. The 2022 NFL Draft is now in the books, and the Steelers selected five offensive players and two defensive players to add to the mix. From the college perspective, here are the best defensive end and edge rusher prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. He also flashes the agility to redirect to the inside or sink his hips while running the loop on the outside. 4/27/22: Anthony was playing well for LSU and on his way to a good season, but he suffered a non-contact knee injury versus Central Michigan that ended his 2021 season. Ojabo uses his hands and feet at the same, showing the ability to translate speed to power. The NFL will absolutely love Gayes size and football smarts. 154: Washington Philadelphia Jacksonville, "Giants trade 11th draft pick to Chicago Bears", "End Of An Era: Seahawks Trade Russell Wilson To Denver Broncos", "New York Jets trade Jamal Adams to Seattle Seahawks, get two first-round picks", "2022 NFL draft trade tracker: Every deal for a first-round pick", "Browns trade for Texans QB Deshaun Watson in deal that includes three first-round picks", "Sources: Fins deal No. 7/10/21: Enagbare started to make his presence felt as a sophomore, but showed real improvement as a pass rusher during his junior season. He also has to up his pass-rush production with the Bulldogs. DJ Dale, Alabama HT: 6025 WT: 300 4-star (0.9076) Super Junior from Clay-Chalkville (Pinson, AL) 2022 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings 1. 5 pick in 2022 draft NFL+ X Players Only Combine Presented by NOBULL Matthew Judon and Devin White join host Rhett Lewis for. 2022 NFL Draft l Day 2 ends with yet another receiver picked By The Associated Press April 29, 2022 LAS VEGAS (AP) The Latest on the NFL draft. The consensus among draft analysts and scouts, though, is this year's class is loaded with pass rushers be it 290-pound defensive ends or smaller edge rushers who would fit well in a 3-4 . He still could sneak into Round 1, but multiple team sources said they graded Mafe on Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft. 2022 NFL draft: 20 best defensive line prospects Free Agency NFL Draft Podcast Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts. The 2023 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 27 and ends on Saturday, April 29. Its close between all of them, but Johnson arguably has the most well-rounded skill set. He could be more of a backup designated pass-rusher in the NFL. 1 overall pick conversation, and Georgias Travon Walker is one of them. Barno broke out in 2020, recording 6.5 sacks with 43 tackles, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. 24 in passing yards allowed (4,160) and No. In 2021, Anderson totaled 32 tackles and five sacks despite limited opportunities. 38", "Colts trade down in the second round of NFL Draft with Vikings", "Browns trade down from No. NFL Mock Draft 2023: Seahawks take surprise defensive lineman One expected pick at 5th, and then one out of nowhere at 20th overall. The NFL advance scouts listed Mafe as an outside linebacker, but at his size, he could grow into being a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. 4/27/22: Johnson totaled 70 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2021. The production alone was impressive. He's turned all three picks in the past two drafts into starters in right guard Quinn Meinerz (2021, No. 4/27/22: Hall broke out for the Cougars in 2021, showing length, strength, quickness, and athleticism to set the edge. . 4/27/22: Paschal was a difference maker once again for Kentucky in 2021. For teams that like length and high-motor rushers, Enagbare fits the bill. Very tricky thing to do is first weed out guys that are defensive ends in college that will be 3-4 OLB's in college. Is Aidan Hutchinson No. He was a tough defender for the Aggies. A few names have been mixed into the No. This will be followed by College Pro Days and will culminate with the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas, Nevada which is set to begin on Thursday, April 28th. Despite his late introduction to the sport, the Purdue pass rusher racked up 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in the 2019 campaign. Jackson (6-4, 275) had an impressive debut for the Trojans in 2019. 7/10/21: Malone was a dangerous quarterback hunter over the past three seasons for the Hilltoppers. Thomas has quality size to him to go along with speed and athleticism. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has the upside to get better. At 66, 250 pounds. He broke out in 2018 with 49 tackles and five sacks, but transferred to N.C. State after the season. Hutchinson has been the most dominating pass-rusher in college football during the 2021 season and easily outperformed the presump Thibodeaux has out-of-this-world athletic ability and as a result, is in the running for being the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft George Karlaftis is a freakish athlete with an elite massive frame and is a natural dominating pass rusher. Furthermore, he tallied 7.5 sacks while registering his first career forced fumble. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. He is quick at the point of attack and causes a lot of disruption behind the line of scrimmage. Sanders did not stand out at the Senior Bowl. While some NFL Draft prospects will ascend during the 2021 college football season, Myjai Sanders is carrying momentum from the previous campaign. Ohio State running back Miyan Williams (3) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr.. And Isaiah Thomas also finds himself on the list of top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. Punctuated by a year on the sidelines in 2019, Gunter racked up 14 tackles for loss and 5 sacks in 2018, followed by 12.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks last fall. Gunter was forced to sit out the 2019 season before transferring back to Coastal Carolina for 2020. At 63, 260 pounds, Smith might not appear as imposing as his teammate. Yet, he has the tools to be a big EDGE as well for teams who like to move their linemen around and exploit matchups. Teams are worried, however, about how much Thibodeaux loves football and the focus he has on "his brand." His agility emphasized by a fantastic 6.73 three-cone doesnt always show up in full capacity on tape, but his leverage may have something to do with that. Projecting for defensive end roles in the NFL, the top defensive end in the 2022 NFL Draft isnt Hutchinson or Karlaftis. From the college perspective, here are the best defensive end and edge rusher prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite not having a standout defensive prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, Tyreke Smith joins Harrison to give the Buckeyes two of the top 10 defensive ends in the class. At 63 3/4, Karlaftis has a dense 266-pound frame, but he was at times closer to 275-280 in college. In our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft, that's exactly what happens as both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions bolster the edge of their lines at No. While he may not become a starter, he has the potential to be a quality rotational backup. 2023 NFL Draft Defensive End Rankings. 1-5. He has enough bend to win around the apex while using his length to disengage. On the year, Thomas collected 21 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended. 2022 NFL Mock Draft Defensive End Rankings: Travon Walker, Georgia Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State George Karlaftis, Purdue Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. They say that his tape and skill set are superb, but the off-the-field issues could push him down into the mid-rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft or lower. Nik Bonitto is one of the drafts best outside linebackers. In-depth prospect rankings with linked reports and all updated player information. Hes incredibly explosive, demonstrates excellent body movement, and exhibits tremendous play speed. Sources say he bombed some interviews and team visits. He has everything you Davis surprisingly gave up the chance to enter the 2021 NFL Draft, but given his impressive play of late, it looks like to have be Travon Walker is a prospect who is still a better athlete than a football player. Phidarian Mathis, Alabama, 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. 7/10/21: Hutchinson was excellent to open 2020, collecting 13 tackles and a pass batted before going down with an ankle fracture that required surgery. Also, PFF strangely leaves off two players who should be in anyone's top 101 players. By the end of this weekend, we'll have a much clearer idea on how the Arizona Cardinals, . He follows a trend of undersized edge rushers from Clemson that includes the likes of Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson. They will gather on the field for the first time when the team holds their rookie minicamp May 13-15. Yet, they dont define what makes Enagbare one of the top defensive ends in the class. Last fall, the Cincinnati pass rusher was a late riser up draft boards, earning buzz as a potential Day 2 selection. He could rise as a senior if he can leverage his experience to build off his four-sack junior year. Johnson was a high-effort player for the Seminoles, making a lot of stops in the ground game along with putting steady pressure on the quarterback. He broke out as a sophomore for the Wolverines as a tough defender who flashed pass-rush ability. He totaled six sacks, three forced fumbles and 30 tackles for 2020. Led by Oregons Kayvon Thibodeaux, there are several first-round prospects. Rookie defensive end Amar Barno put together a solid start to his professional career in his debut season in 2022. He has some quickness, strength, and athleticism that was illustrated with good workouts. 2022 NFL Draft: NFC East team-by-team needs, picks and grades for Cowboys, Commanders, Giants, Eagles . Johnson's best fit in the NFL could come as a 3-4 outside linebacker. 44 with the Texans, pick up 68, 108, 124", "Chargers Acquire Six-Time Pro Bowl Outside Linebacker Khalil Mack", "2022 NFL draft: Bills trade back twice in second round with Buccaneers, Bengals", "Atlanta Falcons trade Julio Jones to Tennessee Titans", "Broncos trade star LB Von Miller to Rams for two 2022 NFL Draft picks", "Jaguars trade 2020 first-round CB C.J. There's a load of heavy, stout defensive ends who played last college season at 270, 275 or 280 . All that being said, they feel his ego could drive him to be a good player as he wants to be a star. We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. Top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft | 1-5, Top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft | 6-10. 7/10/21: Over the past two seasons, Gunter was a dangerous edge rusher for the Chanticleers. He wants to with suddenness and athletic ability as a run defender, moving and slanting. 2. The injury also could cost Ojabo a spot in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Karlaftis worked out well at the combine and interviewed well according to team sources. The Tennessee Titans ' defensive needs aren't as obvious as . If production is a pre-requisite for you at edge rusher, then youll like Cameron Thomas. Multiple sources from around the league say that Thibodeaux does not love football, wears on his teammates, and is focused on himself above all else. However, his stock is rapidly on the rise, with the potential to elevate himself into first-round contention. Hall looks like the rare five-technique prospect who is capable of putting pressure on the quarterback. With his skill set taking on easy competition, Hall needs to produce more in 2021. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. All Rights Reserved. He was listed over 280 pounds in college, but at the NFL Combine, he measured in at 62 5/8, 268 pounds. The six-year NFL veteran and Minnesota Vikings stud defensive end, Danielle Hunter is well deserving of a spot as one of the Top 10 NFL Defensive Ends 2021-22 rankings. Sanders has speed and athleticism on the edge, but he needs to get stronger and fill out his frame. hes a force off the edge who wins with strength, quick feet, and ability to read the game. Moreover, he appears to have developed physically over the offseason. Team sources say Clemons could be a third- or fourth-round pick who develops into being a starter in the NFL. He was a consensus first-rounder prior to the injury. 4/27/22: Thibodeaux recorded 49 tackles, seven sacks, one pass batted and two forced fumbles in 2021, but he also spent much of the year dealing with a balky ankle. He has ideal size to play as a versatile defender in the trenches for Belichick, even if he's not a freaky athlete. With his production, its no surprise that Thomas brings a constant motor from start to finish. Boye Mafe, Minnesota; Malik Vann, Cincinnati; Jordan Strachan, South Carolina; Ochaun Mathis, TCU; Will McDonald, Iowa State, Anthony Richardson Combine Results: Florida Star Makes Case for QB1, Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland | NFL Draft Scouting Report, 2023 NFL Combine Hand Size Results: Notable Quarterback Measurements and More, 2023 NFL Combine Risers: Christian Gonzalez, Deonte Banks, and Brian Branch Perform Well. 164 pick to the Los Angeles Rams", "Eagles trade three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz to Cardinals", "Bears trade pick 166 to the Bengals for picks 174 and 226", "Patriots trading guard Shaq Mason to Buccaneers for fifth-round draft pick", "2022 NFL Draft trade: Patriots, Texans swap Day 3 picks as Bill Belichick continues to be biggest draft mover", "2022 NFL Draft: Packers trade back eight spots in fifth round", "Sources: Chiefs shipping first-round pick, 3 others to Ravens for package highlighted by Orlando Brown Jr", "NFL Draft results: Detroit Lions trade back 7 sports, pick LB Malcolm Rodriguez in sixth round", "Panthers trade for Bills DE Darryl Johnson", "Broncos agree to terms on trade with 49ers to acquire LB Jonas Griffith", "Seahawks Acquire CB Sidney Jones In Trade With Jaguar", "Chiefs trade for Vikings CB Mike Hughes", "Jacksonville Jaguars trade QB Gardner Minshew to Philadelphia Eagles for conditional 2022 sixth-round pick", "Panthers trade LB Denzel Perryman to Raiders for sixth-round pick", "Packers acquire WR Randall Cobb from Texans for sixth-round pick", "Source: Bucs acquire starting Jets NT McLendon", "Jets acquire QB Joe Flacco in trade with Eagles", "Broncos trade rookie Kary Vincent Jr. to Eagles for 2022 sixth-round pick: Philadelphia adds secondary depth", "Jets make another trade by shipping linebacker Jordan Willis to 49ers in draft pick swap, per report", "New York Jets acquire pass-rusher Shaq Lawson from Houston Texans, sources say", "Steelers trade Melvin Ingram to Chiefs for 2022 sixth-round pick", "Rams trade for Patriots running back Sony Michel", "Buccaneers Select Ko Kieft with the 218th Pick of the 2022 NFL Draft", "The #Patriots are trading TE Ryan Izzo to the #Texans for a seventh-round pick in 2022, per source", "Patriots, Ravens agree to trade that sends rookie Shaun Wade to New England, per report", "New York Giants trade DL B.J. At 65, 272 pounds, with outrageous 35 1/2 arms, Walker ran a 4.51, had a 35.5 vertical, a 123 broad jump, and a 6.89 three-cone. 7/10/21: Jackson played well in 2020, recording 20 tackles, two sacks and an interception. 7/10/21: In 2020 Sanders was a dangerous edge rusher for the Bearcats, notching seven sacks with 31 tackles and five passes batted. Instead, its Florida States Jermaine Johnson II. SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. 7/10/21: Mafe played well in the shortened 2020 season, totaling 27 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two passes batted. 4/27/22: Charlton was decent for Mississippi State in 2021 with 35 tackles and four sacks. Multiple team sources who said they had spoken to recent Georgia staffers and recent former teammates of Anderson all reported those around the Bulldogs program were surprised and didn't believe he was that kind of guy. He is a 1-year wonder who could find his best fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. His 4.53 40-yard dash, 38 vertical, and 125 broad jump are all reflections of his elite athleticism. Aidan Hutchinson is widely projected to be the No. Furthermore, Karlaftis has the ability to play both inside and out, making him extremely versatile. Travon Walker *, Georgia 4. 7/10/21: Thomas enjoyed a breakout 2020 season, racking up 8.5 sacks with 32 tackles, 13 for a loss, two passes defended and one forced fumble.